Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, returned from his mission to the Holy Land, sharing reflections on the pressing issues in the region. Following a request from Pope Francis, Cardinal Krajewski journeyed to conflict-ridden areas, including the Gaza Strip and Ukraine, where he witnessed ongoing strife and suffering even during the Christmas season.
In a heartfelt dialogue, the cardinal expressed his deep contemplation on the apparent absence of peace despite the fervent prayers and faith he brought to these troubled lands. He pondered the discrepancy between the powerful weapons of faith and prayer and the persistent conflicts in the Holy Land, questioning why these spiritual tools seemingly fell short of bringing about peace.
Cardinal Krajewski recounted his visits to sacred sites such as Nazareth, Bethlehem, and the Holy Sepulchre, where he noted the symbolic act of bowing down as a sign of reverence for the divine. Drawing parallels between the physical act of bowing and the spiritual humility required for peace, he mused that perhaps humanity had strayed from the path of God by adopting the logic of the world.
Expressing concern that people have placed themselves in God's position, attempting to command and condemn without mercy or love, Cardinal Krajewski suggested that the world has forsaken the Gospel's teachings. He reflected on the importance of recognizing the mystery of God, emphasizing the need to live according to the logic of Jesus' teachings.
Highlighting the Feast of St. John the Apostle, the cardinal underscored the significance of bowing down to understand the mysteries of God's love and mercy. He conveyed a powerful message, emphasizing the necessity of surrendering personal will in favor of God's will to avoid the devastating consequences of conflicts and wars.
As he concluded his reflections, Cardinal Krajewski expressed gratitude for the opportunity to comprehend the mystery of God during his time in the Holy Land. He reiterated the importance of the Our Father prayer, emphasizing the plea for God's will to be done and hoping that true peace would blossom in the hearts of humanity. Cardinal Krajewski's poignant message resonated with a call for the world to bow down to God, fostering an environment where peace can genuinely flourish.